Chapter 32 · You know what happens when you refuse the crown

"No."

One word.

The guards shifted. Hands went to weapons. Metal scraped leather all around us.

Vale's face hardened. "You know what happens when you refuse the crown."

"I know exactly what happens."

Carson stepped in front of me.

His back blocked my view of the warrant, but not the tremor in his hand. The contract pulled at my wrist again, hot and insistent. I could feel every beat of his pulse through the thin line between us.

"Carson," I said, quieter now. "Don't make this about me."

"It is about you."

"No. It's about Noah."

"Then stop standing behind me and tell me what you want."

I stared at the back of his neck. The collar of his coat was torn. Blood had dried along his skin.

"I want my brother alive."

"Then stay beside me."

"You don't get to order me around."

"I just did."

I shoved his shoulder. "You arrogant—"

He caught my hand before I could pull away.

His palm closed around mine, hot and rough. Our fingers locked.